>From: PMDAtropos
>Date: Mon, 6 Jun 1994 15:17:04 -0400
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Ministers group backs anti-gay measure
By Kathey Alexander
More than 100 ministers representing some of Cobb's largest and most
influential congregations today endorsed the county's resolution against
the gay lifestyle, saying homosexuality "is in conflict with the design of
our Creator."
"There's no way we can condone something the Bible says is evil," said
the Rev. Randell Mickler Jr., pastor of Mount Bethel United Methodist
Church and one of the organizers.
Church leaders, representing congregations totaling about 100,000, said
they were forced to take action after 37 clergy members two weeks ago
issued a statement calling the resolution a hate-filled document and urged
its rescission.
"They don't speak for a majority of Christians," Mickler said of the
earlier group of church leaders, a cross-section including Jewish,
Lutheran, Presbyterian and Unitarian leaders.
Gay advocates, meanwhile, called today's news conference another act of
prejudice by "the radical religious right."
"I maintain that the majority of people in Cobb County don't believe in
this kind of prejudice," said Elaine Hill, co-chairman of the Cobb
Citizens Coalition, which is fighting the resolution.
In a one-page statement today, influential ministers representing about
10 denominations said they love homosexuals, but can't endorse their
lifestyle. Saying the resolution won't be rescinded, ministers called for
the community to "prayerfully put aside the issue" and get on with life.
The key organizers and signers include the Rev. Nelson Price, pastor of
Cobb's largest congregation at Roswell Street Baptist, who reportedly
counseled some commissioners before the resolution was adopted 10 months
ago; the Rev. Charles Sineath of the First United Methodist Church of
Marietta; and the leaders of large Baptist associations in Cobb. Catholic
Church leaders contacted about participating did not respond, Mickler
said.